Olmert, who revealed the discussions with Syria two days before he faces a police interrogation over bribery allegations that he has rejected, said the peace track would be long and complex.

But a television poll found 70 per cent of Israelis opposed giving back the Golan Heights to Syria, and a majority also believed Olmert was using the talks to distract from the criminal investigation that could force him from office.

Yossi Verter, a columnist for the Israeli daily Haaretz, said: "Everyone knows that Olmert wants to end his term on a diplomatic note, not a criminal one. The question is, what will come first - an indictment or a peace treaty."